August 2021

In southern and eastern states umbrellas, jackets and gloves are still getting a winter workout making summer feel a long way away, however it really is a great time to purchase your springs and summer seeds. Think chillies, carrots, beans, capsicum, eggplants, pumpkins, tomatoes and many more! Take some time out to plan your patch and what varieties you want to sow this season. A good plan will help you make the most of your space and maximise your harvests. Many summer vegetables need a good long season to fully develop and properly ripen so if you can get seedlings started nice and early, you will be in good steed for a long and bountiful summer..

If you are in lockdown or if you simply find yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands, why not pull the garden tools out of the shed for an inspection and a clean. Wooden handled tools can be lightly sanded and linseed oil can be applied with a cloth, this will protect against splinters and keep your tools looking brand new. Clean secateur blades with hot soapy water to remove any sticky or sappy residue and once dry, a quick wipe with vegetable oil will prevent rusting.

Tomatoes are the perfect example of a summer vegetable that needs a long growing season. In cool, arid and temperate climates seeds can be sown now undercover. For best germination, place punnets in a warm spot such as your kitchen table or on a heat mat. Sowing this early, especially in cool climates will require seedlings to be on-potted at least once before they can be placed in the garden. When the time arrives to plant out your tomatoes, you will be planting out a strong, well sized plant. Roma, Mortgage Lifter and Black Krim are a few of our best sellers, but if you are after something a little different why not try the visually beautiful and delicious Tigerella or Reisetomate varieties. For extra tips on growing tomatoes read our in Focus tomato guide here.

Silverbeet can be planted across all zones this month, cool climate gardeners you will need to keep your young seedlings protected from frosts and for those in tropical climates August will be your last chance before the weather really does start to warm up and cause premature bolting. Fordhook Giant is a wonderful heirloom variety that produces large dark green leaves on creamy white stalks, definitely the most cold hardy variety and well suited for those in cooler climates but grows just as well in more temperate locations. If you wish to add colour to your garden Rainbow chard is a colourful mix of red, yellow and pink stemmed silverbeet.

Love it or hate it it is time to grow corinader in temperate and arid climates. Coriander can be a little fussy at times, hating the heat but not coping with frost either. For best results sow seed in a spot that will receive morning sun rather than full afternoon sun. Coriander will grow well in pots with pot selection being the obvious variety to choose. If you are after something a little different try delfino, a feathery leafed variety that is as attractive as it is tasty (yes we are those weird people that love coriander)

Remember, our planting guides are simply guides for optimal planting times and with a little observation on your specific conditions or even some extra protection from the coldest weather, you could still be planting and harvesting from your patch throughout winter.

Happy Gardening

Vegetable, herb and flower seeds to plant August 2021

In Cool Climates

Broccoli – Sow in punnets undercover or plant out seedlings
Broad Beans – Sow direct*
Cauliflower – Sow in punnets undercover* or plant out seedlings
Kale – Sow in punnets undercover* or plant out seedlings
Lettuce – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings (PFF)
Mustard Greens – Sow direct
Onion – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings (PFF)
Peas – Sow direct
Radish – Sow direct
Rocket – Sow direct
Spinach – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Swede – Sow direct
Tomato – Sow in punnets undercover (PFF)
Turnip – Sow direct
Pollinating flowers – Sweet Alyssum, Sweet pea – Sow direct
Herbs – Coriander sow direct or in punnets undercover

PFF – Protect from frost

* Last chance to plant or sow

In Temperate Climates

Asian Greens – Sow direct
Broccoli – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Cabbage – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Carrots – Sow direct
Cauliflower – Plant out seedlings
Kohlrabi – Sow direct
Lettuce – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Mizuna – Sow direct (HS)
Mustard Greens – Sow direct
Onion – Sow direct or in punnets
Peas – Sow direct
Radish – Sow direct
Rocket – Sow direct
Spinach – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Swede – Sow direct
Tomato – Sow in punnets undercover (PFF)
Turnip – Sow direct
Herbs – Coriander, Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram , Sage– Sow direct or in punnets
Pollinating flowers – Alyssum Sweet pea

* Last chance to plant or sow

In Hot/Arid Climates

Asian Greens – Sow direct
Broad beans – Sow direct
Broccoli – Sow direct or in punnets
Cabbage – Sow direct or in punnets
Cauliflower – Sow direct or in punnets
Carrots – Sow direct
Kohlrabi – Plant out seedlings
Leeks – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Mustard Greens – Sow direct
Onion – Sow direct or in punnets
Radish – Sow direct
Rocket – Sow direct
Silverbeet – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Swede – Sow direct
Tomato – Sow in punnets undercover (PFF)
Turnip – Sow direct
Herbs – Chives sow direct, Coriander, Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram , Sage– Sow direct or in punnets
Pollinating flowers – Sweet Alyssum, Sweet pea sow direct or plant out seedlings.

PFF – Protect From Frost

* Last chance to plant or sow

In Tropical Climates

Asian Greens – Sow direct
Beans (Snake only) – Sow direct
Capsicum – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Chilli – Sow in punnets or plant out seedlings
Corn – Sow direct
Cucumber – Sow direct
Eggplant – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings
Kale – Sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings.
Luffa – Sow direct
Mustard Greens – Sow direct
Mizuna – Sow direct
Okra – Sow direct
Radish – Sow direct
Rosella – Sow direct
Malabar Spinach – Sow direct
Zucchini – Sow direct* or in punnets*
Herbs – Basil and can be sown direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings and Thyme – plant out seedlings
Pollinating Flowers – Marigolds or Zinnia sow direct, in punnets or plant out seedlings. Sunflower or Calendula – Sow direct